Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Future pre-64 build ......

I agree with BobinNH, BSA, Blackdog and others who have praised the pre-64's factory barrels. As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to rebarrel would be to switch calibers, or lighten up a gun that has the standard weight barrel on it. One nice thing about the pre-64 barrels, besides their accuracy, is that all of them that I have owned were very smooth and cleaned up fast with Montana X-treme solvent.

Thanks fellas, this has been eye opening with the suggestions and great ideas! Redneck had some good suggestions. There are some good deals on the fire' right now but the rest of this year will be money for hunting. I have set a goal to get most of the parts and get it to a gunsmith next year. Honestly I think I want a pre-64 action. Possibly with a factory barrel, depending on what I come up with. I have a lot of research to do mainly stock styles and if needed barrel profiles.

If you can come up with a pre-64 standard rifle, there is absolutely no reason not to have the barrel turned down to the contour you like. I have had it done more than once, and accuracy is as good post-turn down as it was before. An easy way to get into a great barreled action for not a lot of money.

Rick is right...because they are broached barrels,they turn down nicely and retain their accuracy.

Compact edge, I didn't see it on McMillans site. Where can I get a look at one?

The "compact edge" pattern is called the "Hunter's Edge" and can be seen under that name on McMillan's website. It's referred to as the Winchester "Compact" when it is ordered in standard fill. I've got one, and I got it through the Campfire. Here it is on a New Haven 300 WSM:



A few guys here have them on pre-64 FWT's, a search might turn up their pictures.

Yep did a search and found utah708 photo essay and some others like Whelenaways compact edge...I like it. Basically a scaled down shorter forearm and such. That would look good with a shorter barrel.

I've always liked that model 70. Great looking rifle and excellent long range rig.

Here's a lousy photo of a great rifle, a plain old pre-64 fwt 30-06 in a compact edge stock. The bare rifle is just under 6 pounds, just under 7 as it sits here, and as Bob said balances like a fine shotgun. Using rifles don't get any better than this.

Damn, that's a very nice rifle there. An improved Kimber...

RickF, thats pretty much what I have envisioned. Light trim and ready to roll. Did you use bottom metal? That rifle looks good buddy.

Just got it back from Redneck. (Who was great by the way)
'41 M70, #2 Rock, Hunter Edge.....

Balance is real nice. Not sure of the weight? Certainly no fly weight, but much lighter than it was with the sporter weight barrel and oil soaked stock!
Still has original bottom metal. I may look at a PT&G unit.

I'll take a scale home from work Monday, see what it weighs.

Nice rig! I've got a '47 Model 70 salted away for a similar build.

You bet, the factory aluminum bottom metal. The barreled action is straight out of the factory with a couple minor modifications.

The bolt has been jeweled, the bolt release tab checkered, and the sights have been taken off and the rear dovetail filled. The VX-III in the original pic was taken off and replaced with a 6X36 LR.

I really can't think of a better all-around rifle. This goes easily under an inch with 150 TSX's, in fact will chase an inch hard at 200 yards. I have had Kimbers including a 7mm-08 Montana; let's just say I won't insult the Kimber owners on the board. The Kimbers went away...

I would not discount featherweight barrel accuracy. A good barrel will do what you want and keep the total weight where you want it.

Good looking rigs fellas! I'm trying not to get too pumped up just yet. I had a KImber 84L in 270, it was a good rifle so I ain't knocking them either. I've had several pushfeed Winchesters too that I liked, especially those Winlites. I am looking forward to owning a pre-64 Model 70 set up like you fellas have done. 30Gibbs, I'll be running one hopefully!

Show and tell time . I kinda like the wood stocked ones too :

I like wood stocks too, here's a seasonal themed pic. That barreled action now resides with another 'fire member who, if I recall correctly, restocked it in an Edge.

I like them with wood also, nice rifles fellas.

Here's a few to start, top picture L-R
Classic 7 Rem Mag, 66' PF 7x57, Pre 300HH, Pre 300HH, Fwt.270
next pic a pair of .358's a Fwt 70 and a Sav.99 F